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Re: Williams: Time to think big picture

Best article I've read on this site, Mr. Williams. Your point about how we were able to win on the road without our leading scorer going off paints a good picture of how well we are playing and how well-rounded we are. Would like your opinion on how the guys are gonna feel going into the Kansas game. Will revenge be on their mind? That will be a huge game for Kansas too so is it really smart to put so much on ISU putting them away? Also, is Saturday a potential "trap" game?

Re: Williams: Time to think big picture

I really dislike this line of thinking and don't think it will be true in the NCAA tournament at all:

Defense is important, but not as much for this Iowa State squad as most around the country. Like I wrote a few weeks ago, Fred Hoiberg basketball reminds me a lot of the “Moneyball” theory in baseball. Just out-score the other team.

It may work for a game but teams that can't defend don't really make tournament runs. If you look at high seeded teams from last year's tournament with poor rated defenses you can certainly see a pattern.

But for the most part you really do win in the tournament with defense, 10 of the sweet 16 teams were ranked in the top 25 in the nation in Defensive Efficiency and all four final four teams were in the top 10 in that category.

Re: Williams: Time to think big picture

I like to keep the thinking at one game at time. Easy to look ahead, and look what happened when we played at Tech! Lets beat tech and then prepare for the next game. We played well last night but we need everyone to contribute, though Melvin and Tyrus have been the anchors all year, Clyburn and Babb need to score more. But either way, I will take a W no matter what way we get it. GO CYCLONES!!

If you take away first base, they'll just go find a new ballpark to play in.

Re: Williams: Time to think big picture

This Cyclone squad reminds me a bit of the 2011 VCU team in their makeup. Multiple weapons on offense that shoot a bunch of 3's. VCU had six guys make 30 or more threes that season. Iowa State currently has four with 30+ and Niang has a good chance to get to 30 as well. VCU shot 37% from 3 that season, Iowa State is at 37% right now.

VCU was average at best defensively, giving up 44% FG shooting to opponents that season, Iowa State is slightly better at 42%.

But after VCU got into the tournament as one of the play-in teams, they went on an unreal roll shooting the ball:

VCU was able to mask some of their defensive deficiencies with great shooting and absolutely buried some good teams. If the Cyclones can get on a similar streak and play ok enough on defense, they can play with anyone.

Re: Williams: Time to think big picture

Originally Posted by Karsten21

I like to keep the thinking at one game at time. Easy to look ahead, and look what happened when we played at Tech! Lets beat tech and then prepare for the next game. We played well last night but we need everyone to contribute, though Melvin and Tyrus have been the anchors all year, Clyburn and Babb need to score more. But either way, I will take a W no matter what way we get it. GO CYCLONES!!

The players need to play one game at a time. We can look as far forward as we want damnit! haha

Re: Williams: Time to think big picture

I have a confession. Last Wednesday before the game, I told my wife that I'd take a loss at Texas if that meant we won out the rest of the regular season. I'm sorry for putting everyone through that last week.

Originally Posted by johnnydugouts

MM and gesell are pretty much a wash. is niang a better player than woodbury? of course, but that doesnt mean its a good matchup for him, especially with a much more athletic defensive player backing up woodbury.

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